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CM urges publishing houses to bring out e-book to cater to tech-frenzy youth
The world, particularly the younger generation is getting more attuned to new modern technology and Social Media and therefore it has become imperative that publishing houses may also think upon to publish e-books, which was the need of the hour, said Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh after inaugurating a week long Book Fair organized by National Book Trust (NBT) of India in collaboration with Himachal Academy of Art, Language and Culture here today.
He said that we need to keep pace with today’s tech-savvy generation so as to match them. However, e-books are catering to the need of many people, but I would also suggest that one should buy good books so that we can always read them as and when we desire.
“We should read whatever good or meaningful we get to do so” said the Chief Minister. He stated that literature is always ever fresh and we should inculcate the habit of reading in our children also. Knowledge and views are to share and disseminate, the more you give the more will you achieve, said the Chief Minister.
He said that Himachal has many writers, scholars, poets, editors, critics etc and the Government would make sincere efforts to extend all possible help to them. He said our state provides a serene environment to the scholars and litterateurs and urged the Department of Language Art and Culture to revive and renovate the ‘Writers Home’ situated in the State so that better facilities could be provided to them.
Referring to Jawahar Lal Nehru, the CM said that Nehru had treasure of knowledge and vision behind him and he believed that books were the best friend of human beings. He said that I feel proud when I see the writers penning down their knowledge because of whom the Publishing houses are making business.
He lauded the efforts of the local writer Raja Bhasin for his many books he had written and published and said that I hope this practice would be continued. He also appreciated the work of Neeta Aggarwal for her book ‘Nari Vyatha Avem Anayaye Kavitayein’, which the CM released on the occasion.
The Chief Minister also released the Book titled ‘Flowerswood Hotel’ authored by Raja Bhasin besides releasing the books and monograph on Manali and Nirmand published by HP Academy of Art, Culture and Language.
The Chief Minister stressed upon holding such book fairs annually in the State. He also evinced keen interest in exhibition and appreciated the collection of books displayed for sale. The Chief Minister directed the Education department to purchase books of Rs. 10 lakh from the book fair.
Om Thanvi, Editor Jansatta also spoke on the occasion and congratulated NBT for organizing this fair and said that this publishing house provides a wide range of books based on different subjects containing value based knowledge.
Smt. Raji Seth renowned writer and litterateur said that she was indebted to people of Himachal Pradesh for support and affection they gave her during her early days in Shimla which made her to write. She said that books are the best friends which gives more and demands nothing.
Director H.P. Academy Art, Language and Culture, Arun Kumar Sharma in his address said that this was the second book fair organized in Himachal, the first being at Mandi. He assured to organize more such book fairs in times to come.
Director, NBT, Dr. M.A Sikandar welcomed the Chief Minister and said that he developed the reading habit at quite early stage of his life and he came to know about the historic Gaiety Theatre of British era and the Shimla hill town through many books he studied. He said that as many as 40 stalls were set by NBT for promotion of book centers in Gaiety Theatre.
Dr. Mahapatra, Editor of NBT Centre of Children Literature proposed vote of thanks.
Mayor Shimla Sanjay Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Tikender Panwar, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Dinesh Malhotra, SP Shimla D.W. Negi were present on the occasion amongst scholar, historians, poets and writers.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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